California Travel Guide

Sacramento

Capital of the State of California? 'Easy', I hear you cry, 'San Francisco'. Wrong, 'must be LA or maybe San Diego?' Wrong again. It's Sacramento and has been since 1854.

Originally founded in 1839 to be a trading post and agricultural centre it really came into its own with the discovery of gold in 1848. Sacramento became the chief supply base for all those who rushed to the area in search of riches.

Sacramento is a beacon of commerce that sticks up out of the largely agricultural central valley. The town boasts aerospace industry and a large busy port (not bad for a city so far inland) alongside agriculture as its chief revenue earners. Two universities ensure a lively nightlife but despite some interesting historical buildings, Sacramento is far from being a tourist haven.

Things to see and do

Sacramento State Capital

Dating back to the 19th century this recently restored building still serves as the administrative centre of the state. There is a small museum and the building itself is pleasant enough to stroll around although a guided tour may be more informative.

Old Sacramento

This restored riverfront holds the largest number of buildings on the national register of Historic Places than anywhere in the whole states. This is now a rejuvenated area of bars, shops and restaurants. For a ride on the river, take a trip aboard the Spirit of Sacramento, an 1842 paddle steamer.

California State Railroad Museum

It is claimed to be one of the largest of such museums in the world and there is certainly plenty to see. Many of the exhibits are of the kind familiar to any fan of Western movies; there are a number of trains with the distinctive big old cowcatcher on the front and smokestacks shaped like the 'Fat Controller'.

Nearby is a discovery museum; this one rises above so many of this type of museum (hands on, child friendly, interactive are phrases used a lot in relation to these places) by having a good showing of artefacts from the gold rush era.

Sutters Fort State Historic Park

The founder of the city was John Sutter but his son christened it Sacramento. This is a recreation of the first settlement on the site and re-enactments of life in the 1850's take place on summer weekends.

Part of the complex is given over to the California State Indian Museum with an extensive array of Indian crafts and clothing.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

With a substantial student populace, there are many lively bars and restaurants although the food is pretty standard fare in many cases.

There is not much by way of cheap accommodation, best bet here is bed and breakfast, otherwise there is a moderate degree of choice.

Thu 4th Dec 2008